That's Fit http://www.thatsfit.com That's Fit http://www.thatsfit.com/media/feedlogo.gif That's Fit http://www.thatsfit.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/There's a right way to do sit-upshttp://www.thatsfit.com/2008/10/13/theres-a-right-way-to-do-sit-ups/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/10/13/theres-a-right-way-to-do-sit-ups/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/10/13/theres-a-right-way-to-do-sit-ups/#commentsFiled under: ,

people doing crunches in the parkI used to be one of you. I'd slave away, doing set after set of crunches, knowing I was working my abdominals, yet seeing minimal results. I'd heard that during Alias, Jennifer Garner did 1000 crunches everyday. Sure, I wasn't doing that many, but I was pretty fit ... and pretty discouraged.

Pilates has changed my point of view on sit-ups, and it has also changed my shape for the better. My posture has improved, my tummy is flatter, my waist is cinched in -- all because I do crunches the Stott Pilates way.

Want to know the secret?

Continue reading There's a right way to do sit-ups

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]]>abdominalsabscrunchespilatessit-upsDebra McDuffeeMon, 13 Oct 2008 16:00:00 ESTCook with your squashy harvesthttp://www.thatsfit.com/2008/10/10/cook-with-your-squashy-harvest/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/10/10/cook-with-your-squashy-harvest/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/10/10/cook-with-your-squashy-harvest/#commentsFiled under: , ,

butternut squash soupAlas, our farm days are over for this growing season. Our CSA farm closes up shop this week, a bit early due to the wet, wet summer; you should see the poor tomato plants. But the rain didn't ruin everything, as we have big, beautiful butternut squashes, just waiting to be cooked and gobbled up.

Butternut squash is loaded with vitamin A as beta carotene, vitamin C and fiber, along with B vitamins, so you really can't lose by making the most of your winter squash.

One of our favorite dishes is a simple pizza with tomato sauce, roasted butternut squash, shallots and sage leaves, topped with prosciutto and feta cheese. How's that for a fun way to eat your squash?

Gallery: Cooking with winter squash

stuffed squash_100709squash soup2_100798squash soup_100708roast butternut squashbutternut squash salad

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]]>applesbeta-carotenebutternut-squashcsa-farmharvestpizzasoupsquashvitamin-cwinterDebra McDuffeeFri, 10 Oct 2008 14:00:00 ESTHealthy recipe: Apple halibut kabobshttp://www.thatsfit.com/2008/10/09/healthy-recipe-apple-halibut-kabobs/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/10/09/healthy-recipe-apple-halibut-kabobs/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/10/09/healthy-recipe-apple-halibut-kabobs/#commentsFiled under: , ,

fish kebabsIt's that time of year ... early Fall, when apples abound, but warm enough that you can still grill without a parka. So what's this all mean to you? Another fabulously delicious recipe to make, which includes apples on your grill: Apple Halibut Kabobs.

Grilling is a healthy coop all to itself because you use so much less fat than you would if pan-frying or even oven roasting. Yes, healthy fats are good for us in moderation, but you'll get those in the halibut -- so grill while you still can.

You want more healthy reasons to make this recipe? How about the loads of vitamin C in the apples and peppers? The onions and thyme lend their own healthy benefits as well.

Continue reading Healthy recipe: Apple halibut kabobs

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]]>applesgrillgrillinghalibuthealthyhealthy-fatsquinoarecipesaladvitamin-cDebra McDuffeeThu, 09 Oct 2008 17:00:00 EST5 healthy crock pot mealshttp://www.thatsfit.com/2008/10/08/5-healthy-crock-pot-meals/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/10/08/5-healthy-crock-pot-meals/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/10/08/5-healthy-crock-pot-meals/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

vegetarian chiliThe days are getting shorter ... and colder! You don't have to resort to canned cream of mushroom soup to prepare a hearty meal in your slow cooker. There are healthy recipes to be had and precious time to be saved.

You can't go wrong with Crock Pot Black Bean Chili -- beans for protein and fiber, peppers for vitamin C, and herbs and spices for all of their numerous health benefits.

Crockpot Chicken Curry is loaded with zesty flavors, from fresh gingerroot and mango chutney to crushed red pepper and cilantro. This one could be -- dare I say it? -- company food. Serve it over brown rice.

Continue reading 5 healthy crock pot meals

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]]>beansblack-beanscassouletchick-peaschilicrock-potcurryhealthylegumesrecipessave-timeslow-cookertime-saverDebra McDuffeeWed, 08 Oct 2008 14:00:00 EST6 food mistakes parents makehttp://www.thatsfit.com/2008/10/07/6-food-mistakes-parents-make/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/10/07/6-food-mistakes-parents-make/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/10/07/6-food-mistakes-parents-make/#commentsFiled under: ,

vegetable stir fryGot a picky kid? You might even have a picky spouse! Knowing the right ways to help your family members become healthy eaters isn't easy. Every person is different, so hitting on that one solution is always a tough one.

So it's a good thing the New York Times is telling us about six food mistakes that parents make. If we see ourselves in some of these, then we'll know where to start.

Join me after the jump to read about the six mistakes and my take on them.

Continue reading 6 food mistakes parents make

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]]>cookingdietfood-mistakeslessonsmistakesparentspicky-eaterpicky-eatersvegetablesDebra McDuffeeTue, 07 Oct 2008 11:00:00 ESTAll-in-one breakfast muffin saves you moneyhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2008/10/06/all-in-one-breakfast-muffin-saves-you-money/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/10/06/all-in-one-breakfast-muffin-saves-you-money/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/10/06/all-in-one-breakfast-muffin-saves-you-money/#commentsFiled under: , ,

cheese muffinsHey, have you heard about the importance of a good breakfast? OK, I jest, because we all know that a healthy start to our day is one of the most important things we can do for ourselves. From helping keep us slim to supplying our bodies with enough energy to tackle our busy day, a good breakfast does it all.

Tough to find time for a good breakfast, sometimes, isn't it? What if you could have a solution for a balanced breakfast that is full of nutrition, easy on the pocketbook (about 50 cents each) and a snap to prepare? If that sounds appealing, then you'll want to try this recipe for all-in-one breakfast muffins.

Loaded with protein like eggs, ham, and cheese, these muffins will stick to your ribs so you won't crave the sugary snacks come mid-morning. Plus, scallions and peppers add veggie nutrients.

Continue reading All-in-one breakfast muffin saves you money

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]]>all-in-onebakecookeconomizereggsfrugalhamhealthymuffinsave-moneysavoryDebra McDuffeeMon, 06 Oct 2008 16:00:00 ESTHealthy recipe: Curried tuna, carrot and hummus couscoushttp://www.thatsfit.com/2008/09/30/healthy-recipe-curried-tuna-carrot-and-hummus-couscous/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/09/30/healthy-recipe-curried-tuna-carrot-and-hummus-couscous/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/09/30/healthy-recipe-curried-tuna-carrot-and-hummus-couscous/#commentsFiled under: , ,

couscous and veggies on a plateSounds amazing, doesn't it? Curried tuna, carrot and hummus couscous. The mouth waters just thinking about it.

But wait -- there's more. This healthy recipe's got a couple of sources of lean, complete protein: tuna and hummus. Its overflowing with nutrition from veggies too, like carrots, garlic, red pepper, onions and greens (rocket or arugala). And the health benefits of the turmeric in curry are plentiful.

The fun begins, though, when you start imagining all of the ingenious substitutions you could make to boost the nutrition and healthfulness of this recipe. Join me after the jump for some specifics.

Continue reading Healthy recipe: Curried tuna, carrot and hummus couscous

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]]>carrotscomplete-proteincouscoushealthyhummusrecipesalmontempehtunavegetablesveggiesDebra McDuffeeTue, 30 Sep 2008 14:30:00 ESTHealthy Recipe: Apple turkey picadillohttp://www.thatsfit.com/2008/09/26/healthy-recipe-apple-turkey-picadillo/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/09/26/healthy-recipe-apple-turkey-picadillo/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/09/26/healthy-recipe-apple-turkey-picadillo/#commentsFiled under: ,

picadillo cooking on stovetopA pica-who? I didn't know what a picadillo was either, but I was sure enamored with this delicious recipe.

This traditional Latin American dish usually consists of ground beef and seasonings, sometimes with veggies added. It can be used to stuff a taco or served with beans and rice.

So the apple turkey picadillo recipe I fell in love with is definitely a twist on tradition, but a clever and welcome -- and healthy! -- one, in my opinion. Imagine the sweet-tart of the apple combining with the cumin and Worcestershire sauce ... I can almost smell it sauteing on the stove.

Continue reading Healthy Recipe: Apple turkey picadillo

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]]>beansground-beefground-turkeylatin-americanpicadilloricetacotomatotraditionalDebra McDuffeeFri, 26 Sep 2008 14:00:00 ESTBe nutty and try this recipehttp://www.thatsfit.com/2008/09/25/be-nutty-and-try-this-recipe/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/09/25/be-nutty-and-try-this-recipe/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/09/25/be-nutty-and-try-this-recipe/#commentsFiled under: , ,

close up of baked loafMaybe it's true that we are what we eat, but what does that make us if we try this nut loaf recipe? Heck, there's nothing wrong with being a little nutty if it comes from eating this tasty dish.

Nuts, mushrooms, veggies, and fresh herbs make the bulk of this recipe, with eggs and a few this-and-thats. So healthy proteins and fats combined with the nutrients of onions, leeks, carrots, and celery. Can it get any better?

Just a few tweaks and we've got a vegetarian mainstay full of healthy perfection:
  • Use wild mushrooms, not just white ones, to help boost your immune system.
  • Use brown rice cooked in broth instead of rice pilaf.
  • Instead of breadcrumbs, just pop a slice of sprouted grain bread in the food processor and use that for more nutrition and better digestion.

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]]>healthymushroomsnut-loafnutsrecipevegetarianveggieswildDebra McDuffeeThu, 25 Sep 2008 12:30:00 EST10 balanced breakfasts for kids -- and adultshttp://www.thatsfit.com/2008/09/24/10-balanced-breakfasts-for-kids-and-adults/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/09/24/10-balanced-breakfasts-for-kids-and-adults/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/09/24/10-balanced-breakfasts-for-kids-and-adults/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

egg, cereal and bread for breakfastAs adults living in a fast-paced world, we may be a little lax in assuring we eat a balanced breakfast every morning. Sure, a granola bar or a banana on-the-run may not be the end of the world, but even though those things may have some nutrition to them, they are not balanced breakfasts.

One thing we don't want to do is pass this tradition on to our kids. Today's lifestyle demands a lot from these little people too, and a balanced breakfast will give them a good start to tackle the world, one day at a time.

Dr. Sears, one of the most down-to-earth famous pediatricians out there, has some ideas about balanced breakfasts for kids. Complex carbohydrates and protein should both be present, so he suggests to think whole grains plus dairy plus fruit.

Continue reading 10 balanced breakfasts for kids -- and adults

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]]>balancedbreakfastcerealdairyeggsfruithealthytoastwhole-grainsDebra McDuffeeWed, 24 Sep 2008 11:00:00 ESTHealthy recipe: Black bean and tomato quinoahttp://www.thatsfit.com/2008/09/24/healthy-recipe-black-bean-and-tomato-quinoa/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/09/24/healthy-recipe-black-bean-and-tomato-quinoa/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/09/24/healthy-recipe-black-bean-and-tomato-quinoa/#commentsFiled under: , ,

quinoa and tomato side dishAre you all getting that I love quinoa yet? Well, why wouldn't I, when it is such a healthy source of protein, is versatile and very easy to prepare.

My latest quinoa recipe find is Black Bean and Tomato Quinoa, touted as a side dish on Epicurious, but to me, a perfect vegetarian entree when served with a green salad and some whole grain bread.

This flavorful dish sports quinoa and black beans as hearty and nutritious sources of protein, zesty lime, the powerhouse tomato and scallions and fresh cilantro.

Continue reading Healthy recipe: Black bean and tomato quinoa

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]]>black-beansepicuriousgourmethealthyquinoarecipetomatotomatoesvegetarianDebra McDuffeeWed, 24 Sep 2008 09:30:00 EST25 "light" tomato recipes -- but are they healthy?http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/09/23/25-light-tomato-recipes-but-are-they-healthy/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/09/23/25-light-tomato-recipes-but-are-they-healthy/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/09/23/25-light-tomato-recipes-but-are-they-healthy/#commentsFiled under: , ,

tomato and cucumber salad Tomatoes are abundant right now -- trust me. I have three large bags full of them from our CSA Farm, and some fresh tomato sauce simmering on the stove as I type.

Needless to say, I've been scouring the internet looking for some new tomato recipes to try that take advantage of the healthy tomato, bursting with vitamin C and lycopene. So I checked out the top 25 tomato recipes on Cooking Light, and what do you suppose I found?

Well, good and bag things, really. Here's a breakdown of the recipes that ... caught my eye, let's say, and what you might decide to substitute for a healthier choice.

Continue reading 25 "light" tomato recipes -- but are they healthy?

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]]>cooking-lighthealthylycopenerecipestomatotomatoesvitamin-cDebra McDuffeeTue, 23 Sep 2008 12:00:00 ESTBlackberries destroy cancer in your geneshttp://www.thatsfit.com/2008/09/18/blackberries-destroy-cancer-in-your-genes/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/09/18/blackberries-destroy-cancer-in-your-genes/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/09/18/blackberries-destroy-cancer-in-your-genes/#commentsFiled under: , ,

bowl of ripe black raspberries

We know they are chock-full of antioxidants and other valuable nutrients, but did you know that research has shown that black raspberries can actually alter your genes?

In animal studies, genes that were altered with cancer were returned to normal when black raspberry powder was consumed.

OK people, that's huge! Why aren't you eating black raspberries all the time, every day, at each meal? I jest, because we can't jump on every medical study bandwagon and eat multitudes of foods that are good for us.

Gallery: Black raspberry serving ideas

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]]>antioxidantsblack-raspberriesblack-raspberryblackberriesblackberrycancergenespreventpreventionDebra McDuffeeThu, 18 Sep 2008 11:30:00 ESTTofu: Not a healthy health foodhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2008/09/17/tofu-not-a-healthy-health-food/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/09/17/tofu-not-a-healthy-health-food/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/09/17/tofu-not-a-healthy-health-food/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

caprese salad with tofu instead of cheese

Many vegetarians champion tofu for its meatless protein and versatility. They also eat quite a lot of it, and some sources are saying -- and have been saying for a while actually -- that no good can come of this.

Basically, because tofu is an unfermented soy product, there are chemicals left in the soy that are not only indigestible, but also rob your body of other nutrients. Phytates block mineral absorption and trypsin inhibitors block protein digestion.

In this video interview, Dr. Kaayla Daniel says she isn't so much worried about the people who eat a couple of chunks of tofu in miso soup and the like, but more the vegetarians who eat slabs of tofu daily as their main source of protein. She also says that eating tofu is still safer than ingesting soy protein isolate or hydrolyzed soy protein, ingredients found in many processed foods like veggie burgers.

Continue reading Tofu: Not a healthy health food

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]]>absorptiondigestibilitydigestionhealthymineralphytatesproteinsoytofutrypsinunfermentedunhealthyveganvegetarianDebra McDuffeeWed, 17 Sep 2008 11:00:00 ESTHealthy recipe: Green tomato ricehttp://www.thatsfit.com/2008/09/17/healthy-recipe-green-tomato-rice/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/09/17/healthy-recipe-green-tomato-rice/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/09/17/healthy-recipe-green-tomato-rice/#commentsFiled under: , ,

white bowl filled with green tomatoes

Fried green tomatoes, step aside: there's a healthier dish in town. Full of flavor and nutritious goodies, green tomato rice may become the new "in" side dish using the popular unripe fruit.

We don't want the trans fats that frying gives us, and bread crumbs have almost no nutritional value. And we certainly don't want the calories in fried green tomatoes -- 312 calories in just one tomato! Brown rice, on the other hand, supplies B vitamins and fiber, and garlic, thyme and jalepeno all have their heart-smart health benefits.

To get the most from green tomato rice, be sure to use brown rice (and increase the broth slightly) and nitrite-free turkey bacon; then enjoy your new green tomato staple side dish!

Gallery: Green tomato rice ingredients are healthy

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]]>baconbrown-ricegarlicgreen-tomatoeshealthylycopenerecipethymetomatoesturkey-baconDebra McDuffeeWed, 17 Sep 2008 10:30:00 ESTQuinoa and grilled zucchini recipe showdownhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2008/09/16/quinoa-and-grilled-zucchini-recipe-showdown/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/09/16/quinoa-and-grilled-zucchini-recipe-showdown/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/09/16/quinoa-and-grilled-zucchini-recipe-showdown/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

grilled zucchini discs cookingWhat? What do you mean I've posted a quinoa and grilled zucchini recipe before? OK, I admit it, I did the deed. But since these two recipes are so radically different, I thought it would be fun to do a comparison of the two recipes; surely you'll choose a favorite.

The new quinoa and grilled zucchini recipe has eggs, pine nuts, goat cheese and a tantalizing yogurt avocado dressing, all providing protein and other nutrients. The original recipe I posted has garbanzo beans as added protein.

Most of the flavor in the original quinoa recipe is provided by curry spices, like cumin, paprika and turmeric. In this new recipe, fresh cilantro dominates for a very different flavor. Both recipes use healthy spices, so we're win-win here.

Continue reading Quinoa and grilled zucchini recipe showdown

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]]>avocadocomparecumingrilledhealthyquinoarecipeyogurtzucchiniDebra McDuffeeTue, 16 Sep 2008 09:30:00 ESTFitku: A working workouthttp://www.thatsfit.com/2008/09/15/fitku-a-working-workout/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/09/15/fitku-a-working-workout/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/09/15/fitku-a-working-workout/#commentsFiled under: ,

dog sleeping on treadmillMy husband seems to have solved all of the world's workout problems with one quick fix: to save time, he uses the treadmill while he works on his laptop, thanks to a handy laptop shelf he built for the treadmill in his company's gym.

Pretty savvy, eh? His coworkers know where to find them if an IT emergency arises, and he becomes fit during work hours, at a normally sedentary job. Merits a Fitku, don't you think?

Tread and type workout
Kills two birds with one laptop
Fit and efficient

What are your tricks for staying active at work?

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]]>jogjogginglaptoprunrunningshelftimetreadmillwalkwalkingworkworkoutDebra McDuffeeMon, 15 Sep 2008 16:00:00 EST7 time-saving ideas for cooking healthyhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2008/09/13/7-time-saving-ideas-for-cooking-healthy/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/09/13/7-time-saving-ideas-for-cooking-healthy/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/09/13/7-time-saving-ideas-for-cooking-healthy/#commentsFiled under: , ,

salad with artichoke hearts, chick peas and olives

Cooking healthy is hard, right? We know that whole foods are the answer, but preparing meals from scratch can be a total drag -- especially during the witching hour when the kids are tired and clingy.

It doesn't have to be another ill-timed chore to put a healthy dinner on the table. Try these time-saving ideas for getting that whole food meal prepared -- fast.

  • Cook grains, pastas and legumes ahead of time and freeze in appropriate serving sizes. You'll always have them recipe ready.

Continue reading 7 time-saving ideas for cooking healthy

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]]>cookingcrock-potcrockpoteasyfasthealthyslow-cookerwhole-foodsDebra McDuffeeSat, 13 Sep 2008 13:00:00 ESTBake with garbanzo beans?http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/09/12/bake-with-garbanzo-beans/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/09/12/bake-with-garbanzo-beans/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/09/12/bake-with-garbanzo-beans/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

chick peas soaking in waterWhen you think of stocking your pantry with baking needs, usually garbanzo beans don't come to mind. It's time to change that thinking, for a number of reasons. Baking with garbanzo beans:
  • instead of flour adds protein and fiber to your baked goods
  • allows people on gluten-free diets to enjoy sweet treats
  • creates treats for people on low-carb diets
  • adds more nutrition to your baked goods; they really do become a viable food
OK, but how is that going to taste? I've been baking with garbanzo beans for years, namely this recipe for Lemony garbanzo bean cake. I've only gotten rave reviews, and I've even served it for Easter dessert. It is a rich cake bursting with lemon flavor.

Continue reading Bake with garbanzo beans?

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]]>bakebakingchick-peascookgarbanzo-beansgluten-freehealthylow-carbreciperecipesDebra McDuffeeFri, 12 Sep 2008 12:00:00 ESTMadonna won't eat out but likes a pinthttp://www.thatsfit.com/2008/09/10/madonnas-diet-secrets/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/09/10/madonnas-diet-secrets/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/09/10/madonnas-diet-secrets/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Madonna, posing her fit bodyYou know what I like about Madonna? There's no halfway for her; she isn't sort-of fit on the days she doesn't have something better to do. She doesn't eat right when she can and then do fast food when it suits her cravings. For this star, it's all or nothing.

Wouldn't it be nice to be that dedicated to a healthy lifestyle? Madonna practices Ashtanga yoga for fitness, so she's finely tuned, mind and body. I'm jealous just knowing that there are people out there who can spend a good portion of every day working out the way they love best, rather than grabbing a little cardio when they have a half hour free.

Now, for her diet: she doesn't eat out and she follows a strict macrobiotic diet. What -- no chocolate?

Gallery: Is this body to blame?

MadonnaMadonnaMadonnaMadonnaMadonna

Continue reading Madonna won't eat out but likes a pint

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]]>dedicateddietfitnesshealthylifestylemacrobiotic-dietmadonnasecretsstrictwill-poweryogaDebra McDuffeeWed, 10 Sep 2008 11:30:00 EST